Head of Boarding

Independent Schools of New Zealand; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Job summary

Southwell School in Hamilton invites applications for Head of Boarding. This full-time leadership role oversees the Boarding House, ensuring a warm, structured environment for boarders and staff.

The successful candidate will live on-site in school-provided accommodation and guide welfare, staffing, and daily rostering. Applicants should have teaching qualifications, with experience in pastoral or residential care preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in pastoral care, residential care, or education.
• Leadership background is welcome, but attitude and organisational capability are key.
• Qualified teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Boarding House.
• Live on site in school-provided accommodation.
• Provide welfare support to boarding students, staff, and families.
• Lead the boarding team and manage duty rosters.
• Direct clinic and nightoversight with supervisory care.

Skills

Pastoral care

Residential care

Leadership

Communication

Teaching

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

• A Unique Leadership Opportunity in Pastoral Care
• Growth Minded Leadership: Experience Welcome, Passion Required
• Shape the Future of Our Boarding Community

Southwell School, a co-educational day and boarding school for Year 1-8 students, situated on a beautiful and expansive campus in the heart of Hamilton, New Zealand, offers a unique leadership opportunity.

Are you an energetic, empathetic, and organised professional passionate about student well-being and pastoral care? We are seeking a professional to guide and nurture our vibrant boarding community as Head of Boarding.

Whether you are an experienced boarding leader or teacher looking for your next challenge and ready to step into a pivotal pastoral role, we welcome your application. Prior leadership experience is welcome, but not required; what matters most is your commitment to student welfare, high emotional intelligence, and ability to build strong, trusting relationships.

About the Role

As Head of Boarding, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Boarding House, ensuring a warm, structured, and supportive environment where boarders and staff thrive. You will live onsite in school provided accommodation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pastoral Leadership: Provide guidance and overall welfare support to boarding students, staff, and families.
• Team Supervision: Support and lead the boarding team, including the Assistant House Masters, Tutors, and support staff.
• Operations & Rostering: Manage daily, weekly, and termly duty rosters.
• Clinic & Night Oversight: Direct two duty evenings per week (4:00 pm – 9:00 pm) and maintain supervisory oversight of clinic operations and boarding care.
• Extracurricular Involvement: Assist in coaching or managing a winter sports team (as negotiated with the Headmaster).
• Note: This position will have a teaching component, we are requiring applicants to have appropriate teaching qualifications and experience.

Hours & Duty Expectations

• Weeknight Duties: Two fixed weeknight duties per week (4:00 pm – 9:00 pm) with general oversight on non-duty evenings.
• Weekend Rosters: Shared weekend duties across the team (including occasional Friday evenings and Saturday morning/Sunday evening shifts).
• Time Off: Enjoy free time during scheduled leave weekends and school holidays (excluding designated call-back days).

About You

We are looking for someone with:

• Excellent communication skills and a student-centered approach.
• Strong relational skills and high emotional intelligence.
• Experience in pastoral care, residential care, or education.
• A leadership background is welcomed, but attitude, empathy, and organisational capability are key.
• Enthusiasm to actively engage in the wider Southwell School community.
• Qualified teaching experience.

Job Location

200 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton

Job Classification

Pastoral Care, Wellbeing and Student Support

Job Status

Full-Time

Contractual Status

Permanent

Start Date

02

January

2027

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

Experience Required

3 – 5 Years

Certifications Required

Valid NZ Teacher Registration

About the School

Year 1 to 8

Co-educational

Southwell School

200 Peachgrove Road, Claudelands, Hamilton 3214